As we close out another month, springtime activities flourish across the state. Colleges host graduations, the Red Sox and their fans revel in a (so far) successful season, and the State House buzzes with activity. Health Care Financing Committee members and I have been busy attending hearings at the State House. Topics we have heard testimony on include hospitals, health care quality, e-health, long-term care, the health care workforce, MassHealth, public health, and health care access. Hearings – on these topics and others – continue as we have a lot of legislation to examine this session.

Foreclosure Help in Massachusetts: Did you know that the rate of foreclosures in New England now matches that of the nation? The latest quarter had one of the highest foreclosure rates ever for the United States as a whole and for most New England states. In 2005, 61 out of 100 suburban communities in Massachusetts had a significant number of double digit high-APR (Annual Percentage Rate) loans taken out for home purchases. Included were Hudson with 23.9 percent of loans in 2005 that were high APR loans. In Maynard, it was 13.4 percent and in Stow, it was 13 percent. The Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCEC) network offers resources for landlord, tenant and homebuyer education and support for homeowners. Call them at 1-800-224-5124 or visit them at masshousinginfo.org.

The Great Park Pursuit: The Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) is hosting The Great Park Pursuit, an outdoor family challenge every Saturday from May 19until June 23. Each week, events will take place at a different state park with clues to determine what the destination for the next week will be. The event is part of the “No Child Left Inside” program, which aims to help children and their families come together through nature, outdoor activity, and health. Though one Saturday has gone by, there are five more that are sure to be filled with exploration, education, and family bonding! Register your team at greatparkpursuit.org.

Dangerous Dogs Legislation: Bills controlling particular breeds of dogsare being debated. Ways to prevent attacks are also being discussed and would include mandatory neutering and spaying of certain dog breeds. There are several bills that have been heard recently, including one creating a list of “potentially dangerous or vicious dogs.”

Worker’s Compensation Rates: A recent settlement will save Massachusetts business owners an average of 16.9 percent, or about $170 million, in their worker’s compensation payments. The new rate will take effect this September. Previously, the rate had not changed since 2005.

Unsung Heroines: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recently sponsored the 2007 Massachusetts Unsung Heroines ceremony at the State House. Women from the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns were nominated for the award recognizing their behind-the-scenes hard work and dedication to improving their communities. Congratulations to Kate Wheeler of Maynard and Jean DeMilia of Stow who were honored!

Memorial Day: Memorial Day will be observed this year on Monday, May 28. Also known as Decoration Day, the holiday was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, and first observed on May 30 of that year when flowers were put on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery. According to usmemorialday.org, some ways to observe the holiday include flying the American flag at half-staff until noon, flying the POW/MIA flag, visiting memorials and placing flowers on the graves of our fallen. You may also participate in the National Day of Remembrance by taking a moment of silence at 3 p.m. or by listening to “Taps.” I will be giving the Memorial Day address in Stow this year where services commence at 2 p.m. As always, please feel free to share your questions, comments or opinions with me by calling 617-722-2430; writing to Room 236 State House, Boston, MA 02133; or sending email to Rep.PatriciaWalrath@hou.state.ma.us.

Rep. Walrath serves the Third Middlesex District of Bolton, Hudson, Maynard, and Stow.